What is one of the responsibilities outlined in Standard 1 of ATRA?

Standard 1 of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) focuses on the assessment of clients as a foundational responsibility for therapeutic recreation specialists. This standard emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive information about an individual’s strengths, needs, preferences, and interests, which is essential for designing effective treatment plans.

The assessment process involves using various tools and techniques to evaluate the client's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and leisure functioning. By conducting thorough assessments, therapeutic recreation specialists can identify appropriate interventions and set measurable goals that align with the client's desired outcomes. This ensures that the recreational activities or programs provided are tailored specifically to meet the unique requirements of each individual, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.

Other responsibilities, though important, fall under different standards. While the implementation of treatment plans, reassessment and evaluation, and discharge and transition planning are crucial elements of the therapeutic process, they are subsequent actions that follow the initial assessment. Thus, the focus of Standard 1 is particularly on understanding the client through assessment, which lays the groundwork for all further therapeutic recreation interventions.